If there is an NHL lockout when the league's current collective bargaining agreement with the NHLPA ends on September 15, many players will seek employment in other leagues around the world, and that includes the No. 1 pick in this June's draft.

Nail Yakupov would like to begin his professional career in Edmonton with the Oilers. but that may not be the case if there is a lockout in the NHL. According to a tweet on Tuesday from Szymon Szemberg, the director of communications for the International Ice Hockey Federation, Yakupov's agent Igor Larionov says that, in case of a lockout, Yakupov will play for KHL Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk, rather than return to the Sarnia Sting of the Ontario Hockey League, where the Russian forward played the last two seasons.

Nail Yakupov may play in the KHL next season if there is a lockout. (AP Photo)

Having dominated junior hockey in Canada, with 80 goals in 107 games in two seasons, and 170 points, returning to his native Russia to play against professionals would be the best way for the 18-year-old Yakupov to prepare for his NHL career, short of beginning it immediately.

Yakupov, who is from Nizhnekamsk, played close to home before heading to Canada for juniors. In 2009-10, he had four goals and two assists in 16 games for Reaktor Nizhnekamsk in the MHL, an international league primarily based in Russia for players age 17-21. Yakupov was 16 when he played in the MHL.

In June, Yakupov was drafted by the Oilers with the top pick in the draft, Edmonton's third straight year drafting first.

The No. 1 pick from 2010, Taylor Hall, is close to agreeing to a contract extension, according to the Canadian network TSN.

Edmonton also is in negotiations with 22-year-old Jordan Eberle, the team's leading scorer last season, on a contract extension, according to TSN as well.

Both Eberle and Hall are due to become restricted free agents next summer. Yakupov already has signed a three-year, entry-level deal with the Oilers.